THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE.
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I honestly thought the music was going to loop into Star Wars several times this episode. I've noticed it before, but not as strongly as this. Also Jinto's been kind of annoying me for the last couple of episodes, it's a good thing that Lafiel fills out the other half of the main cast.

I wonder if the declaration of war will lead to a somewhat more macro view of the events happening? Although probably not with only a few episodes left for this series. Maybe in the sequels?

The government would never tell their diplomats the full truth. The diplomats most likely believed the report they received as what actually occurred. That way they would be more convincing in their arguments.

Crazy to think that a war that will involve the whole galaxy was started so nonchalantly.

Are the intentionally making humans appear retarded? Why would they be shocked or upset with the Abh for declaring war after they first ambushed an Abh battle ship, and then claiming it ambushed them (because ambushing a fleet with one ship is obviously what would happen) use that as justification for invading a planet?

I think the Four Nations were shocked at the empress's declaration of war because (1) she said it so nonchalantly and (2) the Four Nations wanted to negotiate with her (they mentioned forming a "fair" committee to investigate the Gosrauth incident). She knew what they wanted so she ended it then and there, denying them the opportunity.